Medical & Health

Documents needed: There is no reciprocal health care agreement with Egypt, so you can't use your EHIC card for free or reduced cost treatment, even in an emergency.

Doctors and Dentists

Doctors: Doctors in the Egyptian public health system are overworked and underpaid, so even locals prefer to go private if they can afford to.

Dentists: Surgeries can be basic with poor hygiene standards. Ask hotel reception or your insurance helpline for advice on where to find a reputable dentist. If possible, hold off treatment till back home.

Ambulance: Ambulances can't be relied on and are often badly equipped. Tourists who can tend to go by taxi or private transport to a private, not government-run, hospital.

An air ambulance back to the UK could cost over £30,000, so make sure your travel insurance covers you for medical expenses and repatriation.

Prescriptions: In normal circumstances you can get most common prescriptions and medicines in big cities and towns. Specialist prescriptions can be hard to fill, though some medicines requiring prescriptions in the UK are sold over the counter in Egypt.

Chemists are usually open from 10 am to 10 pm and there are 24-hour pharmacies in the big cities (unless curfew is imposed).

As always, check with your GP before travelling especially if you have a medical condition/problem before you arrange you holiday.